I have a background in software development but within the last 4 years moved into Business Analysis and Project Management, a move that made sense because I found that much of the more mainstream development work (such as what I was doing) was being outsourced by my company to their workers in India.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed my job, I voluntarily left my position (which was in a Bank) at the end of Feb this year. My decision to leave was based on two reasons:
1 - I wanted to have some time to study for the finance exam, which I wrote in mid-June
2 - my company would not budge at all on giving me a renumeration increase or promotion despite the fact that my role and responsibilities really evolved and increased over the 4 years I was at the bank.
Actually, directly after handing my notice in, the bank did offer me at 10% raise, but I had since found out that another colleague who was working in a very similar role to me (and which the Bank wanted me to take over) was earning 50% more than me!
Following my exam, my plan was to take some holiday time off and then hit the Contracting job-sites in order to break into Contracting within Finance. With my technical background and good knowledge of middle and back office, regulations, as well as the various asset classes, I thought I would be snapped right up! I am tired of working for a company who constantly want loyalty and expect all the hours you can give them, yet never deliver when it comes to bonus or promotion time - so I figures that Contracting was the way to go...
I have now been looking for BA and PM roles within IB circles now since late July. Although I have been for a few interviews, receiving largely positive feedback, the result is always the same: NO. The feedback is never too bad, for example, the last interview I had was at a firm I really liked the look of. The interview went splendidly and I really hit it off immediately with both interviewers. I had a very positive feeling following that interview.... however the feedback came that the role had developed since they started speaking with candidates and they now wanted someone with specific experience in a system called Murex! I was absolutely gutted!! This is not the first time this has happened either!
It has now been several months that I have been out looking for contract work. It is very demoralising and I have to say that I never thought I'd be out of work for so long. I am not drawing benefits and instead living solely on my savings - which is really crushing! I think I am a solid candidate and have several good references from people I respect to prove it. Why the hell can I not find a job???
I have used tools such as LinkedIn to research firms I'd like to work for and email their 'Talent Acquisition' personnel directly. I have tried using my network to respectfully ask if anyone knows of anything. I have reworked my CV about 100 times so that it is now not too long and well reflects my solid working credentials. I am not asking for outrageous pay - recruitments agents seem to largely agree with the rates I have specified. So what am I doing wrong? What more can I be doing to break into Contracting? What else can I do to land a frigging Contract???
Any advice welcome!! BTW I am based in London.